Brendan Steele put together five birdies against only two bogeys to post a 3-under-par 35-33 — 68 on the first day of The Open Championship in Carnoustie, Scotland, Thursday. He is tied for 5th place, only two shots off the lead.

 

The Idyllwild native found 73% of the fairways with drives averaging a whopping 374 yards, and he hit 78% of the greens in regulation, using 31 putts with the short stick.

Brendan’s playing partners were Zach Johnson, who shot a 2-under-par 69 and Adam Scott, who posted an even par 71. He’ll tee off with the same pair early Friday morning at 12:15 a.m. PDT.

Jack can be reached at [email protected].